Murine Ovarian Development Is Not Affected by Inactivation of the Bcl-2 Family Member Diva

Abstract

Diva (also called Boo/Bcl-B) is a member of the Bcl-2 gene family and most likely functions during apoptosis. Diva is highly expressed in the ovary, and both pro- and antiapoptotic functions have been ascribed to this protein. To determine the role of Diva during murine development, we used gene targeting to inactivate Diva. The Diva-null mice are born at the expected ratios, are fertile, and have no obvious histological abnormalities, and long-term survival did not differ from littermate controls. Additionally, Diva was not required for apoptosis occurring from genotoxic insult in the ovaries or other organs. Thus, Diva is not critical for the normal development of the ovaries, or in its absence its function is subserved by another protein.

These studies were supported by the NIH (NS-37956, NS-39867 and CA-21765) and the American Lebanese and Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.